Planning System News
The latest planning system news from PBC Today and the UK construction sector.
RTPI challenges effectiveness of ‘Accelerated Planning System’ proposals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has questioned whether proposals for an ‘Accelerated Planning System’ would deliver the improvements to the planning system required by councils and expected by both the Government and the public.
RTPI launches updated Planning Enforcement Handbook
The Royal Town Planning Institute has launched a new Planning Enforcement Handbook for England in preparation for new Levelling Up and Regeneration Act rules coming into effect.
Marks & Spencer, the minister and a “tour de force” of planning law principles
The Marks & Spencer planning row proves that politicians do not have carte blanche to ignore planning law principles, says Alison Ogley, planning and environment partner at national law firm Freeths.
Unlocking the potential for seniors’ housing: What needs to change?
Planning policy has failed to keep pace with demographic shifts and the UK’s ageing population. Nicola Gooch of Irwin Mitchell and Oliver Knight of Knight Frank discuss new analysis on the supply of seniors’ housing and what needs to change to improve supply.
Competition probe launched amongst top UK housebuilding firms
Barratt, Bellway, Redrow and Taylor Wimpey are amongst the top housebuilding firms being investigated for information sharing in CMA competition probe.
Gove announces new plans to boost brownfield building
Housing secretary Michael Gove has opened a consultation on plans to boost brownfield building in England's 20 largest cities.
40% of Build-to-Rent sites experience planning consent delays
According to new research from the British Property Federation the wait time on obtaining planning consent for built to rent sites is 12 months 'at least'.
Planning permission delays holding back 93% of SMEs
93% of SMEs surveyed by the Home Builders Federation cite delays in securing planning permission as a major barrier to growth.
NPPF: Beauty is in the eye of the beholding planning authority
With a design lens, design partner at Marrons, Luke Hillson, gives his thoughts on the latest changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which concern clarity of communication, density, character and continue to emphasise beauty further.
Mission Street and BGO secure approval for Oxford’s largest commercial science scheme
Specialist sciences developer Mission Street and BGO have secured resolution to grant planning consent for a purpose-built commercial science scheme totaling 180,000 sq ft.
Changes to planning rules to make solar panel installation easier for homes and businesses
Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean homeowners and businesses will find the installation of solar panels easier.
Planning systems for business: 2023 and beyond
A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce calls on the government to unlock the planning system to boost investment.
Planning profession report from RTPI shows salaries are in decline
The State of the Profession report from the Royal Town Planning Institute has found increased gender parity in the field, but resourcing challenges are still impacting the profession.
BPF highlights need for more strategic freight and logistics planning
The British Property Federation has called for greater strategic planning in response to the government’s Call for Evidence on planning for freight and logistics.
Government must go further on NSIP reforms, RPTI warns
Proposed reforms to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) process in England have been praised by the RPTI- but will procedural action be enough?
Planning skills shortage: How can the planning sector attract new diverse talent?
A staggering 43% drop in Local Authority net expenditure on planning services from 2009 to 2020 has left the planning system in a dire state. Andrew Close, director of education and profession, RTPI, explores how the planning sector can attract new diverse talent.
RTPI launches campaign to battle planning misinformation
The Royal Town Planning Institute has launched a campaign to battle planning misinformation around planners and their role in the planning system.
Gove’s plans to relax planning rules met with mixed response
Michael Gove has announced a £24m package including ‘super squads’ and relaxing planning rules, including developing more brownfield and retail units to deliver new homes.
Developer contributions inquiry launched by APPG on Housing and Planning
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Planning has launched an inquiry into England's developer contributions systems.
Social Value in construction: £1.08bn generated from £4.57bn contracts
£1.08bn of Social Value was generated from contracts worth £4.57bn, according to the third annual Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report.
92% of SME housebuilders not satisfied with Government’s approach to planning
Local Planning Authority delays in securing planning permission or discharging conditions were identified as a key barrier to growth by 93% of SME housebuilder respondents.
The implications of the Tate Modern private nuisance case on planning authorities
Chris Marsden, partner in property disputes at law firm Moore Barlow, outlines how the Tate Modern private nuisance case could impact developers and planning authorities.
Proposed planning fees increase comes too late, according to the RTPI
An increase in planning fees could relieve hard-pressed local planning authorities but may be too late for others.
Rethinking new development for post-pandemic working habits
A new report suggests post-pandemic working habits mean the built environment sector should prepare for 40% homeworking. Greg Mitchell, executive planning director at Summix, explores the future of work.
Call for Scotland’s new first minister to remove housebuilding barriers
Housebuilders call for Scotland's new first minister, Humza Yousaf, to engage with business and remove housebuilding barriers.
Social media fuels misinformation on local planning issues, say 87% of planners
Nearly nine out of ten planners feel that social media is fuelling misinformation about local planning issues, according to the RTPI.